Rail cropping machine



March 24, 1942. J. L. ANDERSON 2,277,054

RAIL CROPPING MACHINE Filed Jan. 10, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR James L'. Anderson BY% 7; g a z ATTORNEY Marh 2 1942- J. L. ANDERSON 2,277,054

RAIL CROPPING MACHINE Filed Jan. 10; 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR James L. Anderson B BY ATTORN EY March 1942- J. L. ANDERSON RAIL SHOPPING MACHINE Filed Jan. 10, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR n w w d H L 5 e m J ATTORNEY March 24, 1942. ANDERSQN RAIL 'CROPPING-MACHINE Filed Jan. 10, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR James L./)nc/"r.$on

FUEL GAS CONT ROI-S aid,

s an nm ne Qm Q 370 T TYN u o uxo O CDC TCOC 5 4 l LOWER MOTOR CONTROLS uvpen morowl/ CONTROLS ATTQRNEY Patented Mar. 24, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE RAIL CROPPING moms James L. Anderson; Cluster, N. J., assignor to Reduction Company, Incorporated, New York,

N. Y., a corporation of New York Application January 10, 1941, Serial nae-13,920

26 Claims. This invention relates to cutting machines, and

more particularly to machines for cutting oii the battered ends of rail. I

It is an object of this inventionto provide an improved cutting machine, and one suitable for cropping the ends of rails. Another object is to produce with gas torches cuts that are right sections through the rail, or that leave the new end face of the rail concave so that the rails from which ends have been out can be positioned with the ball and flange of one rail close to the ball and flange of another.

Another feature of the invention relates to the automatic positioning of.the torches when control mechanism is actuated to start a cutting automatic control of the torches in their cutting operations.

erally. It may besaid, therefore, that another object of the invention is to provide improved automatic control means for a torch cutting machine. I

While this invention will be described as embodied in a rail cropping machine, the apparatus can be used for. other cuts, and in addition to the controls some other features of the invention can be employed on cutting machines used for.

various purposes.

Other objects, features and advantages ofthe invention will appear or be pointed out as the specification proceeds.

In the accompanying drawings, forming part hereof:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a cutting machine embodying the invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged top plan viewppartly in section, of the machine shown in Fig. 1.

operation, and still another feature relates to Certain of the control mechanism are applicable to cutting machines genl i (Fig. 2 which fit around flanges ill on the upright guide. portions i so that the frames-are vertically movable along the guide portions l. These two frames 9 and W (Fig. 1) are of similar construetionin order to standardize manufacture of the parts. but in the use of the machine the" lower frame 9 rests on the base 6 and is not moved. All adjustment of the spacing of these frames is .efiected by raising or lowering the upper frame til. An upper torch support or slide it slides in horizontal guides. 53 and it on the 1 frame it. A lower torch supportor slide it slides in similar guides it and. it on the frame At one end of the upper slide-i2 there is a cross slide 22 with guides 23 in which a. bracket: 2t slides horizontally, and at right angles to the direction of movement .of the .slide it. The bracket it is moved-along the guides 23, and held in any set position lengthwise of these guides, by a lead screw 25 in a manner well understood in the art.

A torch 271 is carried in a torch holder 28, and this torch holder is swivelly connected to the bracket M by a pivot screw 29. The torch til is adjustable up and down in the torch holder 2% by rack and pinion adjustment mechanism actuated by a knob 3i.

There are two solenoids 33, best shown in 2, attached to the upper end of the bracket M.

An armature 3% extends through both solenoids I 33 and has its travel in both directions limited by screws 35 threaded through the bracket til at the outer ends of the solenoids. These screws are held in position'by lock nuts 3t.

The upper end of thetorch holder 2% forms yoke 3? which is connected with the armature 3t so that movement of the armature under the Fig. 3 is an end view, partly in section and partly broken away, of the machine shown in Fig. 2.

Figs. 4 and 4 are diagrammatic views,'which,

when combined, show the electric circuits and control apparatus of the cutting machine illustrated in the other views, and with the relative positions of most of the parts similar to those of Fig. 1'.

Fig. 5 is' an enlarged sectional view of one of the solenoid-actuated valves.

The embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings includes a stationary frame 5 with abase 5 which rests on the floor or other support; The stationary frame 5 includes two upright guide portions 1 connected by a web 8.

Movable frames 9 and II] have bearingguideways side can be made vertical or slightly undercut.

pull of one or the other of the solenoids 33 rocks .the torch holder 2t onits pivot 29 (Fig. l) and tilts the torch 21 into a slightly inclined position to either side of the vertical. The inclination is of the order of one degree.

The purpose of this slight inclination of the cutting torch is to obtain a straight or somewhat undercut face on the end of a rail tit or other work-piece which the torch is used to cut. The cut made with an oxygen torch, under the operating conditions of the invention, is slightly wider at the top than at the bottom. With a vertical oxygen stream, this means that both faces of the cut have a slight slope.

By inclining the torch slightly, the slope on one face of the cut is increased, and the: other The torch 21 is inclined so as to produce the sloping face on 'the crop end of the rail, thus leaving the new end face of the rail in condition to abut against the end of another rail with the heads of the rails in contact. The slope of the torch must be in opposite directions when cutting the opposite ends of the rail in order to have the sloping face on the crop end in both cases. The torch can be inclined in either direction by exciting one or the other of the solenoids 33.

A lower torch 401s carried by a torch holder H and is adjustable vertically in the torch holder by a knob 42 that operates well-known rack and justment is necessary because the upper torch 21 can be adjusted lengthwise of the rail to bring it into position to cut in the same plane as the lower torch 40. s

The slides I2 and I6 are moved back and forth in the guides I3, I4, and I1, I8, respectively, by

. separate mechanisms each of which is driven by its own electric mdtor. A motor 41 supplies power to shift the slide l2, and a similar motor 48 moves the lower slide I 6. Both motors are preferably equipped with centrifugal governors 49, 59, which can be set to hold the motors-to a desired uniform speed.

The mechanism driven by the motors 41, 48 is best shown in Fig. 3. The motor 41 is attached to the frame I and drivesa vertical shaft 52 through reduction gearing 53. A worm 55 is secured to a shaft 56 which is journaled in a housing 51 and connected with the vertical shaft 52 by a coupling 58.

The motor 48 is attached to the frame 9 and drives, motion-transmitting connections similar to those driven by the motor 41 and indicated by the same reference characters. The lower end.

of the shaft 56which drives the worm is broken away to show a worm wheel 69, the hub of which abuts against one end of a sleeve 6I.- The worm wheel 69 and sleeve 6| are running fits on a shaft 62 in the lower housing 51.

Just beyond the end of the sleeve BI is a gear 64 keyed to the shaft 62. A thrust bearing 65 at the right end of the hub of the gear 64 bears against a wall of the housing 51. A hand wheel 61 is connected to the shaft 62 near one end by a spline connection that permits relative axial movement of the hand wheel 61 on the shaft 62.

A clutch nut 68 is threaded to the end of theshaft 62. Tightening this clutch nut 68 forces the hand wheel hub against a thrust bearing surface on the side of the housing 51 and'draws the shaft 62 to' the right in Fig. 3 so that the enlarged end 69 of the shaft 62 clamps the hub of the worm wheel 60 against the gear 64 and causes the gear and worm wheel to turn as a unit.

There is a rack I3 on the back of the slide I6. A pinion 14, secured on a shaft 15, meshes with the rack 13. The shaft 15 turns in a bearing in a wall of the housing 51. A gear 16 secured to' the left end of the shaft 15 meshes with the driving gear 64.

When the clutch nut 68 is tightened the worm wheel turnsthe' gear 64 and through it the gear 16, shaft 15, andgear 14 which moves the rack 13 and the slide I6 to. which the rack is connected. When the clutch nut 68 is released, the worm 'wheel 60 turns freely on the shaft 62, but the slide I6 can be moved by turning the hand wheel 61 which will always turn the driving gear 64 because the hand wheel and gear 64 are both keyed to the shaft 62.

The movable frame I0 is raised and lowered by a jack screw 18 (Fig. 1) thatthreads through a central portion of the movable frame II). The screw 18 is supported by atop casting 19 which is fastened to theupper ends of the guide portions 1 by stud bolts' 89. A worm wheel 82 is secured tothe upper end of the jack screw 18. A worm 83 (Fig. 2) fixed'on a short shaft 84 meshes with the worm wheel 82, and the shaft 84 is rotated, to raise and lower the movable frame II), by a hand wheel 85.

The automatic controls include switches 81 and 88 attached to the movable frame I!) of the machine. Each of the switches 81, 88 has an actuator 99 with a roller 9| that is pressed against a track 92 by spring pressure of the switch. The track 92 is rigidly attached to the slide I2. The roller 9| of switch 81 bears against the top face of the track, and the roller 9| of the switch 89 bears against the bottom face of the track. An abutment comprising a cam member 94 is adjustable along a slot in the track 92 and can be locked in any set position along the track by a clamping screw 95. A cam surface on the cam member 94 displaces the roller 9| and actuates the switch 81-whenever the cam member 94,

in Fig. 4

traveling with the slide I2, moves switch 81,

A similar abutment or cam member 91 is clamped in-position along the track 92 to'actuate the switch 88. There are switches 98 and 99 attached to the lower frame 9 of the machine close to the slide I6. These switches 98 and 99 have actuators with rollers 9| that are displaced by under the cam members 94 and 91 that are adjustable along I a track 92 in the same manner as the similarly designated parts associated with the upper slide trols, the "lower motor controls,- and the "fuel gas controls shown in Fig. 4 and identified by .legends. The preheating oxygen controls and cutting oxygen controls are shown and labeled The main control switch' in the box II" is a two-position switch and when in closed position 4 connects a. line L with a power line marked in Fig. 4f. The line L supplies power to a number of different units of the control apparatus but in order to simplify the wiring diagram the circuits from the switch box IIlI- are not shown connected. It is sufficient to understand that all terminals and conductors marked L in Figs.

I 4 and 4 are connected with the conductor L from the main switch in box I0 I.

The switch 88 (Fig. 4 is closed by its spring bias except when the slide I 2 is far enough to the right to cause the roller 9| of. the power cut-off first four switches I08 to open and close together.

The other. sides of the solenoids I01 are connected with a conductor II I that leads to a contact II2 of switch 81. The blade II3 of switch 81 has a spring bias away from the contact II2 but when the slide I2 moves into its extreme left position and causes the roller 9| of switch 81 to be displaced upward by the cam member on slide I2, then a circuit to ground is completed from the contact II2 through the blade H3 and the v solenoids I01 are energized. v

The first four switches I08 in switch-box I09 are normally held open by spring bias and are closed by the pull of the solenoids-101. As soon as the first four switches I08 are closed, the solenoids I01 remain energized. because a stick circuit to ground is established through the first switch I08, conductor H5, and other conductors of the control circuit that lead to a ground connection H8.

With the first four switches I08 closed, current flows from the line L through the second switch I08 to the armature of motor .41, and from the armature through the third switch I08, conductor I-I8, motor field circuit, and fourth switch 108 to the ground connection H8. v

This direction of current flow causes the motor 41 to rotate in adirection to move the slide I2 to the right, but this movement of the slide I2 4 is not the cutting stroke and the governor '49 is not in the motor circuit. The motor runs at full speed and continues to run until the cam 81 on the slide I2 moves into position to .open the switch 88. g i

The opening of the switch 88 breaks the power circuit to the solenoids I01 and causes the first four switches I08 to open, under the influence of their spring bias, and stop the motor 01. 1

The motor 41 remains stationary until power is supplied to a conductor I III of the upper motor controls. This conductor H0 connects with the cutting oxygen controls which will be described hereinafter.

Four solenoids I2I, similar-to the solenoids I01,

are connected on one side with the conductor I I0 and on the other side to a conductor I22 which 41 and then through the fifth of theswitches I08 to the governor 40 which is in series with the motor field winding. The field winding is grounded through the seventh switch I08 and a connection 8/ These circuits cause the motor '41 to rotate in a direction that moves the slide I2 toward the left, and it is during this movement that the.upper torch makes its cutting stroke.

When the slide I2 has moved to the left far enough for the slide member on the arm I2 to displace the roller SI of limit switch 81 and shift the blade 3 away from contact I23 and against contact I I2, the circuit through the solenoids IN is broken, and a circuit is closed through the solenoids I01 instead, with the result that the dire'ctionof rotation of. the motor 41' is automatically reversed and the slide I2 is moved back toward the right until the lower cam member on the slide I2 opens the limit switch 88 and stops the motor as previously described.

e switch 98 (Fig. 4) s closed by its spring bias except when the lower torch supporting slide I6 is far enough to the left to cause the roller 9| of switch 88 to be displaced upward by the slide member 94 on the arm I8.

When the switch 98 is closed, it completes a circuit from conductor L, through a conductor I28 to solenoids I21. of the lower motor controls. There are four solenoids I21 and each operates one of. the first four switches I28 in a switch box I29 which houses t e lower motor controls. One solenoid 'with mechanical connections to the four switches is an equivalent of the structure indicated in the drawings.

The other sides of the solenoids I21 are con- I nected with a conductor I3I that leads to a contact I32 of switch 89 (Fig. 4 The blade I33 of switch 98 has a spring bias away fromthe contact I32, but when the lower slide I6 moves 'into its extreme right position and causes t e 4 roller SI of switch 89 to be displaced downward by the slide member on arm I6, then a circuit to ground is completed from contact I32 through the blade I33 and the solenoids I21 are energized.

As soon as the solenoids I21 pull the first four switches I28 closed,lagainst the spring bias of these switches, a stick circuit is established through the first switch I28 and a conductor I35 that connects through other parts of the control circuit with a ground connection I38.

With the first four switches I28 closed, current flows from the line L through the second switch I28 to the armature of motor 48, and from the armature through the third switch I28, conductor "138, motor field circuit, and fourth switch I28 leads to a contact I23 of the switch 81. The.

blade H3. is held against the contact I23 by a spring bias so that unless the slide 04 on the arm I2 is in position to displace the roller 0| of switch 81, the circuit is closed from conductor IIO, through solenoids I2I,' conductor I22, contact I23, and through switch blade I I3 to ground.

When power is supplied to the conductor IIO I to energize the solenoids I2I, the'last four (i. e.

right-hand) switches I08 of the upper motor controls are closed. Power from line L flows through the eighth switch to the conductor I I8 and keeps the solenoids energized after the supply of power from the cutting oxygen controls to conductor I I8 is cut off. The eighth switch, therefore, controls a stick circuit for the solenoids I2I.

Power from the line L also flows through the sixth switch I08 to the armature of the motor to the ground connection I38.

This direction of current flow causes the motor 88 to rotate ina direction to move the lower sl'de I0 to the left. This movement is not the cutting stroke and the governor 50 is not in the motor circuit. The motor 48 runs at full speed until the slide on the arm I8 moves into posi- I tion to open t e switch 98. Y

I The opening of the switch 98 breaks the power circuit to the solenoids I21 and causes the first four switches I28 to open and stopthe motor 48. The motor 48 remains stationary until power is supplied to a conductor I39 of the lower motor controls. This conductor I39 connects with' the cutting oxygen controls which will be described hereinafter. v

Four solenoids I4 I, similar to the solenoids I21, are connected on one side with the conductor I39 and on the other side to a conductor I42 which leads to a contact I43 (Fig. 4 of the switch 99. The blade I33 of the switch 99 is held against the contact. I43 by a spring bias so that unless the slide member on the lowerarm I6 is in position to displace theroller SI of switch 99 downward, the circuit is closed from conductor I39, through solenoids I4I, conductor I42, contact I43, and through switch blade I33 to ground.

When power is supplied to the conductor I39 to energize the solenoids I4I, the last four (1. e. right-hand) switches I28 of the lower motor controls are closed. Power from line L flows through the eighth switch to the conductor I39 and keeps the solenoids energized after the supply of power from the cutting oxygen controls to conductor.

I39 is cut off. The eighth switch, therefore, establishes a stick circuit for the solenoids MI.

.The supply of gas to the torches 21 and 40 is controlled by solenoid-operated valves that are normally held closed by their weight and spring pressure. but are opened by energizing their respective solenoids. Fuel gas, preferably acetylene, preheating oxygen, and cutting oxygen for the upper torch 21 are controlledby valves I45F, I 45F, and I45C, respectively, each commanding a separate tube to the torch 21. The supply of fuel gas, preheating oxygen, and cutting oxygen for the lower torch 40 is controlled by valves I461, I46P, and I46C, respectively. The tubes for the upper torch are indicated by the reference characters I'41F, IMF, and M10, the letters standing for fuel, preheat, and cutting gases, respectively, as in the case of the valve designations. The tubes for the lower torch 40 are similarly indicated by the reference characters I48F, I48P, and I48C.

All of the valve-operating olenoids I50 are of similar construction. are shown in Fig. 4. 'There are two fuel gas control switches, an upper switch and a lower switch, in the switch box I02. There are three solenoids II, and they receive power from .the lower fuel gas control switch in switch box I02 through a conductor I53; and there are three solenoids I52, which receive power from the upper fuel gas control switch in box I02 through a conductor I54. Each of the solenoids I5I and I52 operates a separate switch I56, and these switches have a spring bias toward open position.

Each of the fuel gas control switches in box -I02 is operated by a push-button and is of the momentary contact type. and held openby a spring I58. When the lower switch in box I02 is closed, a circuit is completed from the power line L, through the. conductor I53, solenoids I5I, and conductor I 42, to the contact I43 of the limit switch 99. Unless the roller 9| 'of limit switch 99 is pushed clown (i. e. the lower torch slide I6at the right hand end of its stroke), there is a.

ground connection'through the limit switch 99 and the solenoids I5I are energized.

when these solenoids I 5I are energized they close the first three switches I56. The first switch I56 closes a stick circuit from the power line L to the conductor I53 so that the solenoids will remain energized after the attendant releases the button of the lower switch in box I02 and permits that switch to open.

The second switch I56 connects the power line L with one side of the solenoid I50 of valve I45F, and the other side of the solenoid I50 is grounded through the third switch -I5I and a ground connection I60.

When the upper switch in box I02 is closed,

The fuel gas controls a. circuit is established from the line L. through upper switch I02, conductor I54,.the solenoids I52, and through a conductor I6I to the conductor I22 which is grounded through the limit switch 81, except when the upper torch slide I2 is at the left end of its travel and the follower 9| of limit switch 81 displaced upward. Energizing of the solenoids I52 closes the fourth, fifth and sixth switches I56. The fourth switch I56 establishes the ground connection for the solenoid I of valve I46F; the fifth switch I56 connects this solenoid I50 with the power line L; and the sixth switch I56 closes a stick circuit through which power is supplied to the solenoids I52 after the attendant releases the upper switch in switch box I02.

The preheating oxygen controls include two momentary contact switches in box I03 (Fig. 4) similar to the switches in box I 02 already described. These switches in box I03 supply power to the solenoids I63 that operate switches I64 which control'the circuits of the solenoids I50 of the valves I45]? and GP. Since these circuits are the same as those of the fuel gas controls already described in detail, it is not necessary to repeat the description.

The cutting oxygen controls include the two momentary contact switches in the switch box I04 that are similar to the switches in boxes I02 and I03 that are connected in similar control circuits. These control circuits for the cutting oxygen supply valves 50 and I460 will be understood from the description of the fuel gas control circuits, but the cutting oxygen control switches in the switch box I04 also cont-r01 the starting of the motors. A conductor H9 is connected with the cutting oxygen control circuit so as to receive power from the line L when the upper switch in the box I04 is closed, and. this conductor I I9 supplies power to the upper motor plies power to the lower motor controls.

The solenoids 33 and 45, that tilt the torches 21 and 40, respectively, 'to' produce straight or slightly concave cuts, are energized through a switch I66 that shifts the power supply first to the right-hand solenoids 33 and 45 and then to the left-hand solenoids, with alternate operations of the machine. This switch I66 includes a solenoid I61 that operates a latch I68 which rotates a ratchet I10. A rotary switch member I1 I with connected contacts 180 apart, is turned through by each actuation of the "solenoid I61.

One side of the solenoid I61 is connected with the line L and the other side is connected, by a conductor I13, with the contact II2 of the limit switch 81. Since the blade I I3 of the limit switch 81 touches the contact II2' only once during each cutting operation, the circuit through the solenoid I61 is closed only once during each cutting cycle of the machine. 4

' The switch I66 has four fixed contacts angularly spaced by 90 and in position to be touched by the diametrically opposite contacts of the rotary switch member IN. The top contact and right-hand contact of the switch 166 are con nected with the line L. The bottom contact is connected to one side of the right-hand torchtilting solenoids 33 and 45. The left-hand contact of the switch is: is connected with the left- -ment while cutting. The lower torch slide I66 are'gr'ounded, so that with the rotary member I of the switch I66 in the position shown in Fig. 4 there is a closed circuit through the left,

hand solenoids 33 and 45. A quarter-turn of the rotary member "I opens the circuit through these left-hand solenoids 33 and 45 and closes a circuit through the right-hand solenoids 33 and top of the plunger. The valve, therefore, has a bias toward closed position (the combined force of the spring I18 and weight of the plunger) and opens only when the solenoid I50 is energized.

The, sequence of operation of the machine will 'be described briefly. i

The rail to be cut is fed in against an appro-. priate'stop and clamped to eliminate any move- I6 (Fig. 1) is moved by rotatingthe hand wheel 61 manually, and with the clutch 63 disengaged, until the cutting jet orifice of the lower torch 40 is beyond the far edge of the rail 'fiange. The

cam member 91 is then moved along the track 32 of the torch slide I6 until this cam member contacts with the roller-.9I of the limit switch 99. The cam member is locked in position.

hand solenoids 33 and 45. The sides of the solenoids away from their connections with the switch The torch slide I6 is then returned until the torch holder and all parts are clear of the rail and will not be struck by the crop end when it falls. The cam member 34 is moved into contact with the roller SI of limit switch 94 and locked in position.- These adjustments establish the automatic travel of the torch 40 when in operation on the particular size of work-piece, as the rail 38. The movable frame In is shifted vertically by operating the handwheel 85 until the torch 21' is at a level that-puts it in correct cutting relation to the ball of the rail 38. The upper torch slide is moved by hand until the cutting orifice is beyond the near edge of the rail'ball. The cam member 94 is shifted along the track 92 until it contacts with the limit switch 81 and is then locked in position. The torch slide I2 is then moved theother way until the cutting orifice 'of thextorchis beyond the far edge ofthe rail ball. The cam member 91! is moved into contact with iroller SI of limit switch 88 and locked.

The main switch in the switch box IDI is then closed by pushing the topbutton. This supplies power to the solenoids 33 and t5 that tilt the torches.

If the torches do not slant toward the main part of the rail, the main switch may be opened and then closed again, or the motors and limit switches may be made to operate once, to cause the solenoids 33 and to tilt the torches the other way.

The machine is then ready to operate. The gas pressures are set. The lower button of the acetylene control switches (switch box I02) is pushed.

This causes fuel gas to be supplied to the lower torch 40. The gas is ignited, and the lower but- .ton of the preheating oxygen control switches (switch box- I03) ispushed and causes oxygen to be supplied to the preheating flames of torch 40.

The hand wheel 61 is rotated manually to adthe lower cutting oxygen button (switch box I04) is pushed. This button causes cutting oxygen to flow to the torch 40 and starts the motor 48 in a direction to shift the torch slide I6 to the right while the lower cutting torch 40 cuts through the flange and part-way through the web of the rail 38.

When the lower torch 40 has finished its cut, the cam member 91 comes against the roller 9| of limit switch 99 and operates this limit switch to shut off all gas to the torch 40 and reverse the motor 48 so that the torch slide I6 is returned to its starting position. The return stroke is madeat high speed without governor control. Operation of the limit switch*98 stops the motor at the end .of the return stroke of the torch slide I6. 3 I

The motor will coast after the power is cut off but all of the cam members are long enough so that they do not travel beyond the limit switch rollers 9| when there is an over-travel of the torch slide asthe result of coasting of the motor.

Upon completion of the bottom cut, the upper acetylene control button (switch box I02) and ting oxygen jet and start the motor 41. The

motor shifts the torch 21 toward the machine while the torch cuts the ball and the uncut portion of the flange of the rail. When the cam member 94 operates the limit switch 81, the gas flow to the torch 21 is shut off and the motor 41 is reversed to return the torch 21 to its starting position at which it is stopped by the operation of the limit switch 88.

The preferred embodiment of the invention has been described, but changes and modifications can be made and some features of the invention can beused without others. The automatic control ifeature is applicable to-cutting machines of various kinds. Terms of orientation are, of course, relative.

I claim:

1. A rail cutting machine including a frame, two independently movable slides, guides on the framein which said slides move horizontally and parallel to one another, a torch holder on one slide in position to support a torch. over the ball of a rail for cutting through the'ball and a portion of the web,-and a torch holder on the other slide in position to support a torch under the flange of the rail for cutting through the flange and the remaining portion of the web.

2. In a rail cutting machine as claimed in claim 1, power mechanism operatably connected with the slides and constructed and arranged to move the slides in such a way that the torch holders move successively, transversely across the rail.

3. In a. rail cutting machine as claimed in claim 1 with power mechanism for moving said slides in the guides, said mechanism including a governer-controlled motor means, and motiontransmitting connections between the motor means and each of said slides.

4.. In a rail cutting machine, a frame on which are two parallel horizontal guideways, one at a on which are two parallel guides, torch-supporting slides that move in the guides to shift torches supported by the slides across the rail to be cut, mechanism for causing each of the slides tomove in its guide, said mechanism including a manually-actuated motion-transmitting means for moving each slide, and a clutch for connecting said mechanism with power driving means.

6. In a cutting machine, a frame in which are two parallel guideways, a slide in each of said guideways, a torch holder supported by the end portion of each slide for holding cutting torchesabove and below a work-piece, and a cross slide in the connection of one torch holder to its supporting slide for moving that torch holder at right angles to the direction of movement of the slides to bring the torches into position to operate on the work-piece at the same section lengthwise of the work-piece.

7. In a rail cutting machine, a support, a torch holder carried by the support, mechanism for moving the support to traverse the torch holder and a torch carried by the holder across a rail to be cut, and means controlling the position of the torch so as to obtain a parallel or concave of the torch transversely of its direction of movement when making a cut with the worn rail end on the'left of the kerf, another limit device for determining transverse slope of the torch when cutting at the other end of the rail where the worn rail end is on the right of the kerf, and means actuated by the starting of said poweroperated means to make said limit devices alternately e'flective.

11. A rail cutting machine including apparatus for supporting two torches on opposite sides of a rail to be cut and moving the torches transversely of the rail, said apparatus including torch opposite end of the rail.

side for the kerf on the side of the kerf which: is the new end face of the rail after a battered by the abutment on one side and then by the abutment on the other side.

8. In a machine for cropping off the worn ends of rails by means of an oxygen cutting torch which is moved across the rail to make a transverse cut, a torch support movable to shift the torch across the rail, a torch holder on said support, and means for compensating for variation in the width of the kerf at diiferent depths of the cut, the compensating means including two abutments carried by the support for positioning the torch on a predetermined slope transversely of the direction of the cut, each abutment being set for 'the cut at an opposite end of the rail.

9. A machine for cutting worn ends from rails, including in combination a torch holder and apparatus for moving the torch holder across a rail so that a torch carried by the holder makes a transverse cut through the rail, and means associated with the torch holder for sloping the torch transversely of the direction of the cut to control the plane of the wall of the kerf, said means including automatic apparatus for shifting the torch position between successive cuts where the worn end is alternately on the right and left sides of the kerf.

10. A machine for cutting worn ends from rails,

including in combination a torch holder andapparatus for moving the torch holder across a rail so that a torch carried by the holder makes a transverse cut through the rail, power-operated means for causing said apparatus to move the torch across the rail, a limit device associated with the torch holder for determining a slope holders positioned in such relation to one another that the torches slope in oppositedirections to a common plane and produce a cut that has .a plane or slightly concave face on one side of the kerf, which side comprises the new end of the rail after a worn end has been cut off.

12. A rail cutting machine as claimed in claim 11 with means for reversing the angular relation of the torches when the cut to be made at the 13. A rail cutting machine as claimed in claim 11 with electric motor means for causing the torches to move transversely of the rail, and solenoids connected with the motor circuit for shifting the torches to reverse the angular relation of the torches when the cut is to be made at the opposite end of the rail.

14. A rail cutting machine including in combination a fixed frame, two other frames supported by the fixed frame and at least one of which is vertically movable on the fixed frame, a torch support carried by each of said other frames, the torch supports being movable with respect to said other frames and bein movable horizontally and parallel to each other, .torch holders on the torch supports inpositions to hold torches in working relation with opposite sides of the same piece of work, and adjusting means operable to shift at least one of said other frames on the fixed frame and thereby change the spacing of the torches. 15. A cutting machine including a fixed support, two frames on the support, at least one of which is movable on the support toward and from the other, a torch-supporting arm carried by each of the frames and movable with respect to said frames in a direction transverse of. the direction of relative movement of the frames with respect to each other, and a torch holder on each of the arms.

16. In a cutting machine, a fixed support, two frames on the support, at least one of which is vertically movable on the fixed support as a guide, a horizontally slidable arm in each of said frames, and a torch holder on each arm, the torch holders being in positions to hold torches above and below a work-piece at the same region lengthwise of the work-piece so that each torch cuts part-way through the work-piece and the cuts meet to completely sever said work-piece.

17. A torchcutting machine comprising a torch holder, a support for the torch holder movable to and fro through a predetermined stroke, mechting connections between the motor and said arm for shifting the arm to traverse a torch across a work-piece, a reversing switch for controlling the direction of rotation of the motor, an abutment movable with the torch-supporting arm, and means in the path of said abutment for operat ing the reversing switch to reverse the direction of rotation of the rotor when the torch-support ing arm reaches a given limit of movement.

19. A cutting machine including in combination a torch support movable back and forth to' traverse a torch across a work-piece, abutment meansmovable with said support, a limit-switch actuator at each end of the stroke of the abutment means, a motor-reversing switch operated into motor-reversing position by the actuator at one end of the stroke, and a power cut-oil switch operated by the actuator at the other end of the stroke.

20. In a cutting machine, a torch-supporting arm movable to traverse a torch over and back across a work-piece, power mechanism for moving said arm including an electric motor, a governor for controlling the motor speed during movement of the arm in one direction, which is the direction of the cutting stroke of the torch, and automatic switch means operated by movement of the torch-supporting arm beyond a given limit, said switch means including a reversing switch that changes the direction of rotation of the motor and a circuit that by-passes the governor so that the motor operates at. high speed and without governor control when moving the torchsupporting arm in the other direction.

21. A cutting machine including two torchsupporting arms independently movable through a predetermined stroke for traversing separate torches across opposite sides of a rail or other work-piece to be cut, separate motors formovin the respectivearms, switch-operating means responsive to the movement of each of said torchsupporting arms, and a reversing switch for each of the motors actuated by the switch-operating means that is responsive to the 'movementof the arm driven by that motor, the switch-operating means for one of the reversing switches being responsive to movement of its torch-supportin arm in a different direction from the other switch-operating means.

22. In a cutting machine in which a torchsupporting arm moves a torch across a workpiece and then returns the torch to starting 'position, the combination with said supporting arm of a motor, means actuated by movement of the supporting arm for automatically reversing the motor, a device for controlling the supply of cutting oxygen to the torch, and control means actuated by said device for starting the motor.

23. A cutting machine including in combina tion a torch support movable to and fro through a given stroke to traverse a torch across a workpiece, means including an electric motor for moving said support, a governor for controlling the motor speed, a device for controlling the supply of cutting oxygen to the torch, control means actuated by said device for starting the motor with the governor in the motor circuit, a switch for reversing the motor and cutting the governor out of the circuit, and means actuated by'movement of the supporting arm for operating the reversing switch. g

24. A torch cutting machine with valve means for controlling the'supply of gas to the torch, an attendant-actuated control device operatably connected with the valve means so that actuation of the control device causes'substantially simultaneous operation of the valve means into open position, means for holding said valve means open after the attendant releases said control means, mechanism for moving a torch across a work-piece, and automatic means responsive to the travel of the torch for causing the valve means to close. a

- 25. Torch cutting apparatus including a valve for controlling the flow of gas to a torch, said valve having a bias toward closed position, electromagnetic means for opening the valve and holding it open, a switch for supplying current to said electromagnetic means, a relay for closing the switch, an attendant-operated switch for closing the relay circuit, a stick circuit for keeping the relay energized after the attendant-operated switch returns to open position, means for moving the torch along a course, and automatic means responsive to the travel of the torch for opening saidstick circuit so that the electromagnetic means permits the valve to close.

26. Torch cutting apparatus including a number of valves for controlling the supply of fuel gas, preheating oxygen, and cutting oxygen,- respectively, to a torch, movable supporting means for traversing a torch across a work-piece, a spring urging each of said valves toward closed position, a separate solenoid for opening each of said valves and for holding it in open position, a, relay-operated'switch controlling the energizing of each solenoid, a stick circuit for holding the relay-operated switch closed so as to maintainthe power supply to the solenoid and keep the valve open, an attendant-operated momentary contact switch for initially closing th'e circuit that causes the relay-operated switch to close, similar attendant-operated. momentary V and traversing means for opening the stick circults so that the gas supply valves closer and for operating said reversing switch to change the direction of rotation of the motor.

'JAMES L. ANDERSON.

i "DISCLAIMER 2,277,054'f-Jamea L. Anderson, Closter, N. J. Rm Caormm M dated March 24,1942. .Disclaimer filed July 31, 1943,-by the ee,

a Air Reduction Oompanmlmorporgted. Hreby enters this to claims 6, 14, 15,- 17, 18, 22, and 24 of said patent. :[Qflimlll Gazette Aumwt 8 1,194.31 7 

